I'm from Canada and I've got a Japanese imported 1992 300zx twin-turbo fairlady. No local garages want to work on my car because it's a right-hand drive. I have a coolant leak which I believe is coming from one of the coolant hoses going to the firewall to the heater core. Does anyone have any idea how I might get to these hoses to replace them... they're really deep in behind the motor and I'm wondering what I need to do to get to them.

 

Also, I think I have had a small heater core leak that I've been avoiding fixing. If I'm looking to replace these coolant hoses, would it be a good idea for me to attempt to replace the heater core as well (ie. can I reach the heater core from under the bonnet)?

 

Any help would be really appreciated. The local mechanics are quoting me $1000-$2000 in labor because they are unfamiliar with the car.

 

Sincerely,

Chris

Hi Chris

 

Welcome to the site.

 

Do you mean the pipes that go to you heater matrix so you get heat in your car??

 

you can get them off mike here is the link http://300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=149388

 

I would of thought they were the same as the US zeds or zee'z as you call them lol!!!!

 

You cannot get to the core/matrix from the engine bay, It is behind your dash and normally it is easyer to take your dash out to replace.

 

It sound drastic but if your handy with a spanner it is fairly easy and can be done in a day :)

The heater matrix will take about 4 hours total, without the dash out, but its a bit longer in a manual as you will need to remove the clutch pedal to gain access. Ive done the job myself and the most unpleasnt part of the job is being on your back with your arms above your head and head up in the pedals lol.

 

A new matrix is an arm and a leg from Nissan, but the matrix from a Primera P10 fits spot on and in the UK is around £50. I utilised the method on the US site of cutting the copper matrix pipes so i didnt have to get under the bonnet to remove the 8mm nut which holds the pipe in place in the bulkhead of the engine bay. But as you appear to have a leak in one of your hoses then i wouldnt bother with doing that way. The rear matrix hoses are also available from Z1 in the states.

There isnt alot odf space behind the engine, but its do-able and i can see why a garage who have no knowledge of these cars would charge so much in labour for attempting it.

Could try these guys

 

Toronto

 

Z1 Auto Service

(416) 439-5110

 

Monday - Saturday, 10am - 7 pm

 

 

Jeff TT

Would you recommend accessing the pipes from above or below? (From above it looks like I would have to possibly take out the upper manifold and from below it looks like I would have to remove the turbos to access the pipes)

 

Chris

Hi,

 

is this any help....

 

http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.341

Thanks everyone for all of your advice!

 

Sincerely,

Chris